Palma Cathedral UNESCO, Banos Arabes UNESCO and Palma Christmas Lights, Mallorca Spain

December 03, 2023

The last memorable photo of Mallorca was of the Cathedral.

Our second attempt to visit the Palma Cathedral proved successful after the initial disappointment of finding it closed on our first try. Stepping into this UNESCO-awarded masterpiece of Gothic architecture was nothing short of enchanting. Spanning a staggering 400 years of construction, the Palma Cathedral stands as one of Spain's most magnificent cathedrals, renowned for its breathtaking rose windows, intricate stained glass, and awe-inspiring sculptures. Walking through its ancient interior, I was captivated by the soaring ceilings, and an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity enveloped me.

Inside the Cathedral's museum upon entry is an important marble sculpture of Mary and Baby Jesus.

This solid silver headpiece was crafted for a sculpture of Mary to wear. Many jewels are displayed underneath.

The opulent doorway would be the most impressive that my eyes have seen.

Constructed from the 13th century onward, the cathedral has become an emblem of the religious, cultural, and historical identity of the Mallorcan people. King James I, following the conquest of Mallorca in 1229, laid the foundation for this architectural marvel, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary.

Just one section of a set of three impressive stained glass windows.

This section of marble floor tile holds a crypt underneath.

Sometimes the humble overshadows the opulent. Taken from a small section of the one of the main doors that parishioners enter. Such character was hard to overlook.

Marble fonts and side chapels were abundant.

My camera lens had to be widened to get in a fraction of the main section of the church. There are two people at the front to loan some perspective to the breadth of this Cathedral.

In my travels, the Palma Cathedral now holds the third spot among the most impressive churches I've visited. The Vatican claims the top position, followed by Canterbury, and now, Palma. The entrance fee of 9 euros per person felt like a small contribution toward the restoration of the ancient organ pipes, a historical gem that is sadly no longer in use but hopefully soon will be.

A side chapel.

Section for the residing priest.

Our final stop before leaving the Cathedral. Best entrance into a WC ever!

This side area was my happy place giving me a sense of calm with the most peace-filling ancient painting that one could imagine.

Our exploration continued to the Arab Baths or Banos Arabes, also boasting UNESCO status. These baths, the most well-preserved I've ever encountered, offered a glimpse into the opulence of a bygone era. Though smaller than others I've seen, they exuded a sense of exclusivity, built for a wealthy family's personal use. A quaint bridge added a touch of elegance, providing quick access to the baths. These baths would have been built between 902-1229 when Mallorca was under Muslim rule. They duplicate the Roman chambers with a change/dressing room (apodyterium), warm rooms (caldarium) and cold rooms (frigidarium).

The welcoming entrance to the Arab Baths.

Inside the garden once an orchard.

Bridge from a large mansion to the Baths.

Model to give a glimpse of the historical baths.

The change room still holds the plaster with its colour intact.

Two layers of stone flooring would have circulated the heat of the fire below.

Basically, it's still intact, impressive considering it is over 1100 years old.

Arabesque architectural delight.

Built over Roman springs the predecessors of Arab baths employed a similar concept of heated stones, creating an atmosphere of humidity and steam. The accompanying lush gardens once an orchard still holds a lemon tree. The orchard/garden presumably belonging to the affluent family, enhanced the overall experience. A brief video introduction set the stage for a self-paced tour, all for a modest fee of 3 euros.

Lemon Tree inside the garden walls.

Being in Mallorca in early December, my goal was to soak in the festive atmosphere of Palma, adorned with Christmas lights throughout the old town and the city. After we visited the Cathedral and Arab Baths, we paused at an outdoor café for a glass of vino. The chill in the air made the gas fire heaters all the more inviting as we strolled back into the historical center to choose a restaurant for the evening.

This dazzling city holds a delight around every narrow curved and cobbled street.

This was/is a reflection pool built outside the Palace walls. It would be a wonderful place to quietly read a good book.

Typical architecture of Spanish-built fortification walls.

The bedazzling city of Palma.

Amid the Christmas cheer, we settled on a cafe offering paella, my last opportunity to savour this Spanish delight during our nearly four weeks in Spain. To cap off the evening, I treated myself to gelato, choosing flavours of Almond and Choco Pistachio. Curiosity led me to research the difference between gelato and ice cream, discovering that gelato is predominantly made with milk, while ice cream is crafted from cream. While gelato is typically served at a warmer temperature, I found myself partial to establishments that serve a firmer gelato. Gelato is rarely seen in North America.

In essence, our day in Palma unfolded as a tapestry of historical marvels, culinary delights, and the festive glow of Christmas lights, creating memories that will linger as vivid snapshots of a truly enchanting experience.